2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, continued to impress with its imposing presence and upscale design. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model remained largely unchanged from its 2022 refresh. The Navigator Reserve, the sole trim available in Canada, featured standard four-wheel drive and a sophisticated exterior with options like the Monochromatic Package, which added black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its all-black theme, real wood trim, and chrome accents. However, some chrome plastic elements fell short of conveying the premium feel expected in a vehicle of this calibre. The ambient lighting added a touch of character, enhancing the overall upscale atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its status as a staple in the automotive world, with a history spanning 90 years. Its massive dimensions, measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, made it a dominant presence on the road. The Suburban was available in six trims, each offering a range of features, from basic niceties like automatic windshield wipers and LED headlights to more luxurious options in higher trims. The interior provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with leather upholstery standard on most trims. However, even the top-tier High Country trim left some features as optional, such as power running-board steps and a panoramic power moonroof, which added to the overall cost.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, it offered a range of driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension, equipped with Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality by adjusting to road conditions. However, the ride was often harsh over smaller bumps, and the SUV's size proved challenging in urban environments. The Excite mode improved handling on winding roads but at the cost of fuel efficiency, with the test vehicle averaging 15.0 L/100 km.

In comparison, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine, with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, provided better fuel economy and was available at no extra cost on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts, and the vehicle's size was manageable thanks to its well-tuned steering and brakes. The height-adjustable air suspension further enhanced ride comfort, making it suitable for various driving conditions.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in providing functionality and luxury, with spacious seating across all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, which featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. While the seats offered numerous adjustments, finding the perfect setting proved challenging. The Navigator's storage solutions were generous, and the long-wheelbase Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, renowned for its towing capability, also boasted impressive cargo space. With 1,175 litres of cargo capacity behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum capacity of 4,097 litres, it outperformed competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for extended highway driving between fill-ups, making it a practical choice for long road trips.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided exceptional sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger tended to overheat devices. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though available, was underutilized by passengers who preferred their smartphones.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on most trims, with Google Built-in for seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, and the rear-seat entertainment system, a $2,295 option, added twin touchscreens for rear passengers. The 10-speaker Bose audio system, while decent, lacked the richness of higher-end systems found in competitors.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique features like Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist enhanced safety, while BlueCruise offered hands-free driving on designated highways. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain road conditions and required driver intervention in challenging situations. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like rear cross-traffic alert and Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system capable of managing speed, steering, and lane changes on pre-mapped roads.